Bobby Orr Statue Unveiled in Hometown as Boston Bruins Legend Receives Hometown Honor
Parry Sound, Ontario – June 9, 2025
In a heartfelt ceremony filled with pride, nostalgia, and celebration, a life-sized statue of hockey legend Bobby Orr was unveiled in his hometown of Parry Sound, Ontario. The tribute, decades in the making, honors the legacy of a player widely considered one of the greatest to ever step onto the ice and commemorates Orr’s lasting impact both on and off the rink.
Hundreds gathered at the waterfront plaza near the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame as the bronze statue, depicting Orr in his iconic flying goal pose from the 1970 Stanley Cup Final, was revealed beneath a cascade of gold and black confetti—the colors of the Boston Bruins, the team with which he became a legend.
A Hometown Hero Honored
Orr, now 77, was present at the ceremony alongside his family, former teammates, NHL dignitaries, and local officials. Clearly moved by the moment, he addressed the crowd with the humility and warmth for which he has long been admired.
“I’ve been blessed in my life—to play the game I love, to meet incredible people, and to come from a place as special as Parry Sound,” Orr said. “This town shaped me, taught me values, and always welcomed me back. To be honored like this here, at home, is something I will never forget.”
Mayor Jamie McGarvey called the statue a “permanent tribute to Parry Sound’s most famous son,” adding, “Bobby Orr represents the best of our community—determination, sportsmanship, and generosity. This statue is not just about hockey; it’s about what he means to all of us.”
A Lasting Image of Greatness
The statue, created by Canadian sculptor Lou Cella, captures Orr mid-air in his legendary dive across the goal crease after scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues on May 10, 1970. The pose, immortalized in photographs and cherished by Bruins fans worldwide, remains one of the most iconic images in sports history.
“It was crucial for the piece to reflect not just a great play, but a moment that defined a generation of hockey,” Cella said. “That goal—his celebration—symbolized not only triumph but joy, freedom, and excellence. That’s what Bobby Orr gave to the game.”
Bruins and NHL Praise
The Boston Bruins, who have already honored Orr with a statue outside TD Garden in Boston, sent a large delegation to the unveiling. Team president Cam Neely called Orr “the greatest Bruin of all time” and praised the Parry Sound statue as “a beautiful reminder of where greatness begins.”
“Every Bruins player knows the name Bobby Orr before they ever wear the jersey,” Neely said. “To see how much he still means to his hometown shows just how powerful his legacy is. This is more than a statue—it’s history in bronze.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also spoke at the event, describing Orr as “a transformational figure” whose influence is still felt today. “He changed the way defense was played, revolutionized offensive thinking, and carried himself with class throughout his life. Today is about celebrating that entire legacy.”
Community Celebration
Beyond the formal speeches and the statue unveiling, the town hosted a day-long celebration with youth hockey clinics, a street parade, and a public screening of Orr’s greatest moments. Local businesses adorned their storefronts with Bruins flags and banners reading “Thank You, Bobby.”
At the Bobby Orr Community Centre, young hockey players from across the region gathered for a special meet-and-greet and photo session with the legend himself.
“He’s our idol,” said 12-year-old Jason Lafleur, who plays defense for the local minor hockey team. “Every time I hit the ice, I think about how Bobby played. It’s amazing to see someone from our little town become so big.”
A Life Beyond Hockey
Though best known for his brilliance on the ice—where he won eight consecutive Norris Trophies, three Hart Trophies, and two Stanley Cups—Orr has also earned respect for his contributions off the ice. Through decades of philanthropy and mentoring young players, he has continued to inspire long after his retirement.
“He never forgot where he came from,” said longtime friend and fellow Parry Sound resident Bill Mahoney. “You’d see him in town, at the rink, talking to kids, asking about their families. That’s the Bobby Orr we know here—not just a legend, but a neighbor and a friend.”
A Fitting Legacy
As the sun set on Parry Sound and light reflected off the newly unveiled statue, many in the crowd lingered—taking photos, sharing stories, and simply soaking in the moment. For generations of hockey fans and Parry Sound locals, the statue stands as more than a tribute to one man. It is a symbol of excellence, humility, and homegrown greatness.
In a world of changing sports heroes and fleeting fame, Bobby Orr’s legacy remains rock solid—now literally so, in the heart of the town that helped shape a legend.
